The Cross River State government has officially designated the Metal Fabrication Academy located in Calabar as a key center for converting vehicles that operate on petrol or diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG).
This significant development was announced by the state’s transportation commissioner, Ekpenyong Cobham, during an interview conducted on Monday in Calabar.
Commissioner Cobham emphasized the importance of CNG as a viable alternative fuel option, describing it as a “low-hanging fruit” that the state is keen to harness.
He pointed out that this initiative is part of a broader effort to alleviate the hardships faced by residents as a result of rising fuel prices across the country.
By investing in this project, the government aims to provide a more economical and environmentally friendly transportation solution for the people of Cross River.
In terms of infrastructure, Cobham explained that the establishment of essential facilities, such as a mother station for CNG distribution, is projected to take approximately six months to complete.
The state is actively pursuing this goal to ensure the project progresses smoothly. “The benefit of CNG will soon begin to drop so that we will be able to crash the cost of transportation in the state by 50 percent,” he noted, indicating the positive impact this initiative could have on transportation costs.
The state government is collaborating closely with the presidential committee on CNG to facilitate the conversion of vehicles from traditional fuel sources to CNG.
As part of the initial rollout, the government plans to offer 500 free conversion packages, which beneficiaries will be required to pay for eventually.
This initiative aims to incentivize vehicle owners to transition to CNG, thereby promoting a cleaner energy source and reducing dependence on petrol and diesel.
Recognizing that the upfront cost of conversion may be a barrier for some vehicle owners, Cobham also revealed that the state government is in discussions with commercial banks.
The goal is to create flexible payment options that would allow vehicle owners who cannot afford a lump-sum payment to spread the cost of the conversion over a period of 36 months.
He noted that the cost of conversion varies depending on the type of vehicle, with the most affordable options starting at approximately N500,000, influenced by the current exchange rate.
In addition to the CNG project, the Cross River government is exploring a comprehensive plan for electric vehicles in the long term.
Commissioner Cobham mentioned ongoing talks with one of the major players in the electric vehicle industry to establish an assembly plant in the state, reflecting the government’s commitment to embracing innovative and sustainable transportation solutions for the future.
